Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Why Applied Behavior Analysis is More Than Early Intervention

For families with a child who struggles with an autism spectrum disorder, the term early intervention is likely quite familiar. Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, is a common approach to early autism intervention and is well known and documented for its effectiveness in teaching social skills and helping children with autism to better function in societal scenarios from classrooms to public places. What many parents do not know, however, is that ABA is much more than early intervention and shows significant capabilities over the life span of people with ASD and developmental problems.

While it is true that early intervention, particularly treating children before the age of 5 and often much sooner, can provide the most benefit, ABA therapy can prove highly beneficial at any age. The principles of ABA apply to all people, as it is simply the science of behavior and learning to develop crucial skills. With ABA, any developmentally disabled person will be able to learn to the best of their ability, and even in cases where fully normal functioning is not possible, ABA is proven to have the ability to help them develop to their full potential.

Many parents find themselves being told by courts and insurers that their child is too old to benefit from Applied Behavior Analysis. Not only does this keep children from receiving the treatment they deserve, it often convinces parents that there is no hope when ABA could still be highly effective. For parents denied coverage or funding for ABA treatment or even those seeking a more hands on approach to their child's therapy, home ABA courses are available that contain all of the instruction, data, and tools necessary to offer intensive and successful training at home for parents willing to put forth the hard work and effort required.

One of the many benefits of Applied Behavior Analysis is that there is no age limit and no restriction on what child may benefit from the program. Children of all disability levels can see some benefit from the program and many can achieve normal functioning. While early intervention is always recommended, there are many scenarios where it is simply not possible, from misdiagnosis during the appropriate time period to the use of other treatments during the early intervention period. ABA is a therapy that can work at any point and a proven method of teaching even children with severe ASD. This should provide a comfort to all parents and offer some of the hope that may have seemed lost when the diagnosis was first made.

Garrett Butch is the father of a 6 year old with autism and the founder of Maximum Potential Group.

Maximum Potential has developed courses that train parents and school systems how to work with children with autism.